p34,35 Result:Layout 1 16/07/2009 10:26 Page 34
RESULT INTERVIEW
The right
Debbie Eales meets Result Clothing director,
Sara Sanders-Smith, to find out more about
what makes this pioneering company the
number one choice for highly functional and
technically advanced jackets…
W
hen Result Clothing started out in 1994, everyone else,” says Sara. “We have done two soft
its aim was to provide jackets and shell ranges now including a really technical range,
clothing accessories suitable for TECH Performance.
embellishment. “We were able to use a fabric that was extremely
The Colchester-based company says it was the first warm – almost Neoprene-like to feel, but its
firm within the printwear industry to stockpile condensed layers mean it’s a complete membrane
jackets and to launch the revolutionary soft shell around the body. It’s very light and as a jacket, it’s
jacket. And 15 years on, its trail blazing reputation crease free, it’s very smart. It can be worn in any
continues. environment, from attending a meeting to walking
Today, Result employs 44 people, has a garment the dog. It’s wipe down, brush down and very easy
turnover of more than £3 million a year and is still to clean.”
pushing the boundaries in jacket technology. As a textile, soft shell had been around for a
Result’s desire to innovate is as keen now as it while, but Result was quick to spot its potential by
was on day one and the New Year will see the observing retail trends.
range enhanced still further. “Years ago, promotions used to follow retail –
The company’s huge stock holding puts it in pole really about a year or two behind what was
position to respond to orders quickly. Its 72,000sq happening on the catwalk and in retail. Now it’s
ft state of the art warehouse in Essex, has space
for 8,000 pallets, accommodating the entire range
Company founder,
virtually concurrent,” says Sara.
David Sanders-Smith.
“It was fleece that really started the whole ball
in a single building. rolling for us,” says Sara.
Bar coding, wireless handsets and computerised After 20-25 years of manufacturing bespoke jacket
despatch have halved order picking time and what people remember. This together with the ranges, David Sanders-Smith noticed that certain
enhanced accuracy. massive stock that we are able to hold for jackets were being requested on a repetitive basis.
Result has never been a company to stand still immediate call-off,” adds Sara, “has always made “People either wanted the same jackets or the
and it intends to celebrate its 15th anniversary us the first and it’s a pressure we relish to same versions in different colours and different
with the launch of two new, technically advanced maintain.” styles,” recalls Sara.
styles. With just an initial handful of a dozen products, With T shirts and sweatshirts available from
Ahead of the launch, director, Sara Sanders-Smith the company was launched by Sara’s father, distributors in bulk, off the shelf, David adopted
won’t be drawn on the specifics. She told us, managing director David Sanders-Smith. Today, the same approach for jackets and fleece took off
however: “They are completely new to the market. more than 180 combined jacket and headwear “in a massive way”.
We will have the products available and with the styles are available, from lightweight windcheaters Advances in spinning really brought about the
distributors in the autumn for an early 2010 though to highly advanced technical jackets, from change, adds Sara. “DuPont were able to spin the
launch.” printers caps to high viz woolly ski hats. yarn in such a way that you had a fibre that was
And as with soft shell, Sara believes they are on to It was Result that pioneered the launch of soft lightweight but very warm and it had great appeal
more winners. “Everybody will be intrigued by shell as a promotional garment. for people who were walkers, hikers, outdoor
them,” she says. “Result brought soft shell into the promotions enthusiasts.
“Our strength has always been being first – that’s market two years ago pretty much ahead of “Result took that on board and developed a basic
| 34 | August 2009
www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk
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